Common Signs You May Have Termites In Your Home

Termites are silent killers of home aesthetics. These pests hold immense capacity to destroy your house from the inside out. This species is led by a smart white ant queen capable of laying 7,000 eggs a day! You can imagine how fast these tiny insects multiply and the kind of damage they can bring to your property.

One of the best ways to save your property from massive damage is to keep tabs on signs of termite existence at home. Here is a list of 7 signs you might have termites at home:

1. Flying Termites or Wings

This is one of the earliest signs of termites. These flying insects leave the nest to find a mate. They also establish a new colony. Some fly at night while others during the day. You can see most of these flying after a rain. Also look for flying wings.

2. Mould, Mildew or Rotting Timber Smell

The smell comes from large infestations with a scent of mould. Hence, if you smell it, get in touch with a pest control service. Termites also produce moisture while eating away at the construction of property. Hence, it is important to keep tabs on damp or discolored wood at home.

3. Hollow Timber Sound or Tiny Holes in the Wood

Termites eat wood from inside out to avoid signs of their activity and stay invisible. Hence, they create hollow galleries beneath the surface. Try knocking or tapping the wood at your home. If it sounds hollow, call professionals without delay. Also press finger into wood. If the finger sinks in or you find tiny holes on wood, termites have made their way into your home.

4. Cracked Paint or Plaster on Walls

Do you notice minor water damage at home such as cracked paint or walls? Although it may be water damage, termite infestation also leaves similar signs. Termite damage may create a bubbling effect to wall. This is due to termites eating away at timber through internal walls, affecting the appearance of walls.

5. Mud Tubes on Exterior Walls

Mud tubes are the backbone of termite existence. These act as protection for termites. You can

find these near the foundations of your home. Mud tubes can be easily spotted with the naked eye. The tubes are built by subterranean termite species using soil and termite droppings. This helps add enough moisture for them. You need to focus on removing any moisture-rich environments at home to avoid attracting termites. Do not store firewood, mulch and wood chips near or inside home. Store them as far as possible from your home structure.

6. White Ants

Most people see a termite and refer to it as white ant. However, technically, there is no such thing as a ‘white ant’! So if you have spotted an insect that looks something like a white ant in and around your house, consider it as a warning sign. Your house might have been seriously infested by a colony of termites. Quick action will save your home from further damage.

7. Clicking Sounds or Head Banging

Termite infestations can be recognized with a sound of insects banging their heads against the wood. These are done by soldiers of the gang to signal danger to the others in the colony. The worker termites eating home will make some noise while at it. Simply put your head close to a wood infested by termites to hear these noises.

In a Nutshell

Look out for the above mentioned 7 signs of termite infestation to avoid serious damage. Call us if you notice any of these above signs.